The Fiat 500 Abarth
Published: 18th February 2009
Fiat 500 Abarth
Following the huge success of Abarth's re-launch last year, the Fiat Group's performance division has now created the ultimate sporting expression of the Fiat 500.
As befits a car with its roots firmly ensconced in motorsport, all versions of the new small Fiat 500 Abarth feature a zesty 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, which has been designed to be responsive throughout its entire rev range as well as being economical and gentle on the environment.
Squeezing a turbocharger into the tight confines of the Fiat 500 Abarth's engine bay was no mean feat, and led Abarth engineers to completely redesign the front end of the vehicle. As a testament to their skill, Abarth technicians created a deeper spoiler that feeds the engine with sufficient air while maintaining the frontal appearance of the Fiat 500 Abarth.
This isn't the only alteration to its looks compared with the regular Fiat 500 which includes adding sporty side skirts, a much larger roof spoiler, and a deep aerodynamic diffuser at the rear.
The Fiat 500 Abarth's performance is similarly and dramatically uprated, with a 128mph top speed and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.
Based around a Euro NCAP five-star winner, the Fiat 500 Abarth comes with seven airbags and a host of electronic safety systems to minimise the effects of the unexpected.
The Fiat 500 Abarth is available in both standard trim and in esseesse (SS) form. The regular model is well equipped, with air-conditioning, electric front windows, seven airbags, electrically adjustable body coloured door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, an Interscope sound system with radio, CD and MP3 file player, and Fiat's innovative and unique Blue&Me hands-free communication system.
Optional equipment includes 17-inch wheels, Abarth leather interior, an electrochromatic anti-dazzle mirror, automatic climate control, and chequered roof stickers. There's also Blue&Me MAP which employs motor racing technology to help drivers improve their skills at the wheel through telemetry, (a real-time screen displaying the engine’s RPM, gear selected, and vehicle speed), in addition to offering regular satellite navigation.
The Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse version allows drivers to further upgrade their car's performance courtesy of a retro-fit kit. This boosts engine power to 160bhp using a re-mapped ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and new air filter, as well as adding uprated brakes and springs along with unique 17-inch wheels.
In both regular and esseesse guise, the Fiat 500 Abarth interior has an uncompromisingly sporty feel. The one-piece leather-covered sports seats hug the driver and front passenger, and the thick-rimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel looks and feels as though it's been lifted from a sports car costing twice the price. There's a dash-mounted turbo boost gauge and gear shift indicator to help drivers get the most out of the Fiat 500 Abarth's performance when the Sport button is pressed, and aid economy when it isn't.
Fiat 500
Our Fiat 500 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 500 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £8,700 - £13,605
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 11
We have road tested the Fiat 500, to read our in-depth car review:
Fiat 500 Review - Feb 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
